Given how the recent seasons in Germany have gone by, not a lot of people would have envisaged VfB Stuttgart in the DFB Pokal Final let alone Arminia Bielefeld. The third-tier champions are on their way to the big occasion, and winning against the Bundesliga side would represent a massive coup and add a sweet piece to their history.
Earlier this month, the third tier side celebrated their 120th anniversary, and in that period they never have a major honour to their name. They have barely played 19 seasons in the Bundesliga throughout their history, and now with an appearance in the DFB Pokal Final, they not only have the chance to add a major honour to their cabinet but also qualify for the Europa League.
The road to this final has not been easy, as they began the campaign by beating 2.Bundesliga side Hannover, but beyond that, they have beaten three top-tier sides in Union Berlin, SC Freiburg and then reigning cup holders Bayer Leverkusen. Could they continue their dream run into the Final and get the best out of Stuttgart? Given their form in the competition and momentum heading to this game, it is not beyond the realm of possibility.
Meanwhile, VfB Stuttgart have had an indifferent season compared to their exploits in the previous campaign when they finished second in the Bundesliga. This time around, their form has dwindled and have finished the season in the ninth spot, thus missing out on European football altogether.
They ended the campaign with a win over RB Leipzig, which also ended Die Roten Bullen’s chances of making it to Europe. However, for Stuttgart, this upcoming DFB Pokal final against Arminia Bielefeld is probably their most important game of the season, given that they could enter the Europa League with a win here.
As much importance as the final holds for third-tier side Arminia Bielefeld, it is equally important for Stuttgart to play European football next season albeit in the Europa League. Hence, this could be a tasty final in all regards, as it remains to be seen whether Stuttgart can stop the giant-killing Arminia Bielefeld or become the latest top-tier side to succumb to the will of the minnows.
There is a clear idea in the mind of the Arminia Bielefeld manager, who has preferred a back four in league games and a back three against stronger opposition. He did the same against Bayer Leverkusen to good effect, meaning that might be the order of business in the DFB Pokal final with Stuttgart.
Leon Schneider, Stefano Russo, and Maximilian Grosser are all in line to make stars in that back three, while Felix Hagmann and Louis Oppie will fit into those wing-back slots. Arminia Bielefeld will prefer Sam Schreck and Mael Corboz in central midfield.
Manager Michel Knait will prefer a three-man attacking setup, with Noah Joel Sarenren Bazee and Marius Worl featuring in behind striker Joel Grodowski, which represents Bielefeld’s best-attacking setup they can field.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Kersken; Schneider, Russo, Grosser; Hagmann, Schreck, Corboz, Oppie; Bazee, Worl; Grodowski
As for Stuttgart, manager Sebastian Hoeness continues to sweat on the fitness of key midfielder Angelo Stiller. Should the midfielder not be deemed fit for this DFB Pokal showdown, Hoeness will likely prefer to use Atakan Karazor and Enzo Millot in a midfield two.
Defender Leonidas Stergiou should also sit out of this final with a foot injury, as Stuttgart could start with Finn Jeltsch, Julian Chabot and Ramon Hendriks as the three centre-backs in this clash. Josha Vagnoman and Maximilian Mittelstadt should be preferred in those key wing-back positions, as further ahead Stuttgart will retain their front three.
Deniz Undav and Jamie Leweling have been preferred in roles behind central striker Nick Woltemade, as Hoeness is likely to continue using this setup for the DFB Pokal showdown.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Nubel; Jeltsch, Chabot, Hendriks; Vagnoman, Karazor, Millot, Mittelstadt; Leweling, Undav; Woltemade
The attacker has been instrumental for yet another season, as Hoeness will count on Undav to deliver in the DFB Pokal Final against Arminia Bielefeld on Saturday. His role behind the centre-forward has looked more conducive to getting his numbers up, as the manager will want a good performance from him in the big showdown.
Undav finished the Bundesliga season with a goal and assist against RB Leipzig, as Stuttgart will now look to him to get them into next season’s Europa League. He will be the team’s biggest attacking threat against the tier-three side, as Hoeness will expect Undav to maintain his form and deliver the goals.
There is the element of a fairytale finish for Arminia Bielefeld ahead of this big final in the DFB Pokal for them. There is a bit of confidence in their camp given they have beaten holders Bayer Leverkusen alongside a few other Bundesliga sides en route to the final, and they will feel like a chance to do the improbable.
On the other hand, VfB Stuttgart have a lot to lose and plenty to gain in this game, as they are coming into this one in the right vein of form too. While miracles and fairytale endings are still in the realm of possibilities, on paper, Stuttgart are the favourites to trump the third-tier side and get their hands on the DFB Pokal as well as Europa League qualification.
